I want to buy a convertible sports car - should I consider the Mercedes-Benz SLK? | Ask Honest John

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I want to buy a convertible sports car - should I consider the Mercedes-Benz SLK?

I am approaching middle age, so naturally want a sports car. I am keen on a Boxter S, but am concerned about living with a soft top day-in, day-out - I have no garage. My (uneducated) belief is that a hard top (an SLK, for instance) would deal better with the rigours of outdoor living and make cleaning easier. How could I maintain a soft top that lives outside year round? Alternatively, if a hard top convertible is the answer, what would be your recommendation? The requirements are two doors, convertible, fun to drive, petrol engine. Cost circa £30,000-£35,000. Don't need new, but would want 1 - 2 years old to stay within a warranty.

Asked on 12 June 2011 by GJ, Bexley

Answered by Honest John

Why not a Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport Roadster Coupe? Huge fun, practical, and sensibly priced. The latest SLK isn't really a sports car. It has reverted to a two seater roadster for girls and hairdressers in the same manner as the original SLK. The previous V6 SLK 280, 300 and 350 with manual boxes are more sporty. Just avoid 19-inch rear wheels that make the ride ridiculously hard and half-trigger the airbags on speed humps. Boxsters are much more serious sports cars requiring commitment and endurance to drive, and with either of these it's important to get one with a limited slip diff. You solve the soft top worry by buying a Cayman or Cayman S.

Tags: performance convertibles sports cars

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